Email a Friend
Print ArticleStrep Throat
When To Call a Doctor
Call911or other emergency services immediately if a severe sore throat (pain being an 8 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10) occurs along with the following symptoms, especially in a small child:
- Drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Head pushed forward to breathe
Call your doctor today if you have:
- A severe sore throat and fever over 101F that lasts longer than 1 to 2 days.
- A severe sore throat 2 to 5 days after you know you have been exposed to someone with strep.
- A sore throat that is not part of a cold that lasts longer than 2 to 3 days despite home treatment.
- A red rash that feels like sandpaper. This may indicate scarlet fever.
- Difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids.
Call a doctor if the following symptoms develop 1 to 2 weeks or longer after a strep throat infection. These symptoms may indicate rheumatic fever.
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain
- Raised red rash or lumps under the skin
- Uncontrolled, jerking movements of the arms or legs
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is appropriate if your sore throat occurs with symptoms like those of a cold such as sneezing, coughing, and a runny or stuffy nose. In general, the more coldlike symptoms you have, the less likely it is that your sore throat is caused by a strep infection. You can try home treatment if your sore throat is not severe and you have other symptoms of a cold.
Call a doctor if:
- Sore throat is the main symptom and you have no improvement after 2 to 3 days.
- Signs of strep throat are present.
Who To See
The following health professionals can evaluate a sore throat, do quick tests or throat cultures, and prescribe antibiotic treatment if needed:
- Pediatrician
- Family doctor
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician assistant
- Internist
- Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist)
If surgery to remove chronically enlarged or infected tonsils or adenoids is suggested, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Strep Throat Topics
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
Hot Topics
Could It Be Depression?
Feelings of sadness are not the only sign. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of depression.
Boosting Your Breasts Without Implants
A breakthrough procedure gives women who want bigger breasts, but don’t like the idea of implant surgery, a new option.
